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Lessons Learned in Supply Chain Leadership: A Delphi Study

Lessons Learned in Supply Chain Leadership: A Delphi Study

Author:

Eugene H. Pfeiffer

Program of study:

D.M.

Abstract:

This qualitative study, using a two iteration Delphi method, identified five supply chain
leadership best practices. The primary focus of the best practices is to provide proven
practices that meet the needs and requirements of supply chain leaders to effectively lead
supply chains. A panel of experts selected from the Council of Supply Chain
Management Professionals online database provided data for the study via a commercial
electronic survey service. The expert panel provided open and closed ended, subjective
responses to the study questions. The survey service collected and summarized the raw
data. Manual analysis provided the basis for modifications to the Delphi survey
instruments after the pilot study and the first iterations of the Delphi process. The
findings allowed validation of three of the four candidate best practices identified during
the literature review and two best practices identified during analysis of the first iteration
responses. The five leadership best practices could provide leaders the knowledge to
improve innovation and strategic leadership within supply chains.

I dedicate this dissertation to my family, who gave their strength, energy, and
room for me to pursue my dream. I am grateful beyond words for their love, wisdom,
smiles, and inspiration. This dissertation is dedicated to my wife Cecile, my daughter
Brittany, and my son Travis. The doctoral journey is a stimulating, thought-provoking
journey full of opportunities to learn, transform, and create knowledge. The journey was
challenging not only for me but also for my family, who bore much of the burden. One
cannot complete a doctoral journey without the support of family. I would also like to
dedicate this dissertation posthumously to my grandfathers, one of whom set an example
for me as an academic professional and the other who encouraged me and believed in me
when I doubted myself. Finally, I thank God who has blessed me so richly!

Acknowledgements:

I give thanks to God, who made this journey possible and, I believe, prodded me
to take the challenge in the first place. I acknowledge my loving, patient wife, Cecile,
who provided support, encouragement, and kept me grounded during this long journey.
One does not complete a dissertation without the help of many supportive people.
I am indebted to my University of Phoenix associates and classmates who helped me
throughout the process, especially Dr. Nancy S. Bostain, my committee chair, who
provided precisely what I needed when I needed it. To Dr. Deborah Hutti and Dr.
Dorothy Potter, my committee, thank you for the valuable insights and inspiration.
I also must acknowledge the Delphi committee members from many companies
from across the country who helped make this research possible. Each Delphi study
panelist took time away from his or her busy schedule to participate in the study. Your
insights and willingness to share your experiences and opinions made this dissertation
possible.